Worcester Airport would run despite federal budget cuts

WORCESTER - Worcester Regional Airport would continue to operate even if budget cuts require the pulling of air traffic controllers, airport Director Andy Davis said in a statement released yesterday.

According to one report, the sequester's across-the-board budget cuts will slash $600 million from the Federal Aviation Administration, which will in turn have to furlough air traffic controllers. More than 100 air traffic control towers will be shuttered.

Mr. Davis said in his statement that the likely effects of sequestration would begin affecting Worcester Regional Airport in April.

However, "There are well-established procedures used by aviators and airports to maintain safe, efficient operations during times when there are no air traffic controllers on duty at an airport. Indeed, the majority of airports around the country have no air traffic control," Mr.Davis said.

"Worcester relies on these procedures every day between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. when the tower is not staffed. If the tower cannot be staffed because of sequestration these procedures would be in place 24/7."